UP TO £50 For most general valley, hill and easier mountain walking there are plenty of gloves in this price range that will suit your needs. Some care is needed in choosing models, however, as some may come in a very small size range, for example. The gloves are often made of polyester rather than more durable nylon, and may have more seams on the palm and fingertips than other more expensive gloves so they tend to be less durable in the longer term. They will generally lack some of the nice-to-have benefits of gloves in higher price brackets, but for easier or less regular walks to the mountains they still work well.

FROM £51 TO £75 Compared to lower priced gloves, you get some nice-to-have benefits in this price range. These may include roll-tip fingertips that ensure there are no seams on the fingertip, which leads to improved fit, dexterity and durability. Some gloves may have touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can use electronic devices without having to remove your gloves. For extra durability you will often have nylon shell materials rather than less-durable polyester, and you may get a leather-reinforced palm. The waterproof materials and insulation will generally offer better performance than lower-priced gloves. This mid-price and mid-performance range is ideal for regular winter hill and mountain walkers as the additional benefits will be noticeable.

£76 AND ABOVE More activity-specific designs are available at this price, including gloves designed for climbing or mountaineering but these are still superb for hill and mountain walking if you want optimum performance. The types of benefits on offer may include a pre-curved palm and finger designs for an even closer fit. Palm materials will generally be very durable thanks to leather or Kevlar inserts. Dexterity will be superior to most other gloves, which makes them ideal for holding ice axes or trekking poles as well as scrambling over rock. Nose wipes, wrist leashes and roll-tip finger designs are common in this price band. However

BEST FOR BUDGET UP TO £50

Dare2B Summon II £30

Weight 138g (size M)

Sizes S-XL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s)

IT'S GOOD The main benefits of this glove are the low price tag and nose wipe. There is also a women specific version. Made of polyester with an ARED 5000 waterproof lining, it features synthetic insulation, a fleecy lining and palms reinforced with a textured rubbery material for a better grip on trekking poles or ice axes. The fit is quite good, with a Velcro wrist adjustment allowing this to be locked in place securely. The short cuff easily fits inside a jacket sleeve.

HOWEVER The cuff is quite short so some care is needed to make sure that there is no gap between your jacket sleeve and the glove when putting these on. The fingers don’t get the roll-tip design either, so there are seams at the fingertips, which can be an issue from a dexterity and durability perspective, although for general walking this is probably not too much of a problem. Higher-priced gloves tend to be warmer and have a more durable shell made from nylon. There is no wrist leash, either. So overall if you pay more there are definite benefits that regular users will welcome.

VERDICT A low-priced glove that’s good for hillwalking, but lacks some of the benefits on offer with gloves that have a higher price tag.

Features 3/5

Fit 4/5

Comfort 4/5

In use 3/5

Value for money 5/5

OVERALL SCORE 76%

Extremities Torres Peak £50

Weight 232g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD There is a little more warmth here than others at this price due to the use of Primaloft insulation and hi-loft fleece lining. There is also an X Dry waterproof lining. The shell is polyester with a PU palm and roll-tip fingers for dexterity and durability. The fingers are also slightly pre-curved so that the fit is close and you can lock the wrist into place with the webbing buckle. The cuff is short enough to be tucked inside a sleeve cuff, but long enough to wear outside it, too, and can be cinched in with a drawcord.

HOWEVER The size range is limited and there is no women-specific version. Also the amount of insulation and close fit means it’s could be too tight if you have bigger fingers. Extra insulation also means dexterity is not the best. Like many other gloves, a nylon rather than polyester shell and a leather palm would increase durability and there is no wrist leash. There is no nose wipe provided. The cuff is medium length, which you may or may not prefer.

VERDICT Good overall and particularly warm winter glove for hillwalkers, but others do have improved benefits in terms of better.

Features 4/5

Fit 3/5

Comfort 4/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 5/5

OVERALL SCORE 80%

Outdoor Research Adrenaline £50

Weight 138g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s)

IT'S GOOD There are lots of gloves at this price but this one has extra benefits, including a men’s and women’s range, with a rubbery palm that helps to grip trekking poles or ice axes. I also like that the ‘roll-tip’ fingertip seams are moved back to the top of the fingers for better durability and dexterity. The main material is nylon on the back of the hand, so it’s more durable than polyester and you get a Ventia waterproof lining with polyester insulation. A webbing wrist cinch strap locks the glove in place and you can wear the cuff inside or outside a jacket sleeve.

HOWEVER It’s not the warmest glove available, although I’ve found it fine for use in wild winter weather. There is no wrist leash so care is needed not to drop them. There is no nose wipe, either. Gloves with a slightly closer fit and slightly more dexterity are more expensive. A leather palmed glove will be even more durable. So while it has good features, it also lacks some nice additional benefits.

VERDICT Very good all-round fit and performance that would be ideal for most hillwalkers in the UK, but some others are slightly warmer and have additional benefits.

Features 4/5

Fit 4/5

Comfort 4/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 5/5

OVERALL SCORE 84%

BEST FOR BUDGET FROM £51 TO £70

Mountain Equipment Guide £60

Weight 166g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (men’s); XS-L (women’s)

IT'S GOOD A well-proven glove that has been updated for this winter to improve fit and dexterity. It’s also available in men’s and women’s versions. It has a Drilite waterproof lining, a leather palm and a fibre pile lining. The fit is pre-curved at the fingers so this sits nice and close to the hand. The lining does not snag so you whip these on and off easier than many, and while the cuff is not the longest, you can fit it inside or outside a jacket sleeve and you get a drawcord to close it. A soft nose wipe and loops on the finger to clip the gloves to a karabiner complete the walker-friendly design.

HOWEVER In the update the wrist leash has been removed so you have to keep a grip of them when taking them off in the wind to look at maps or GPS receivers. Also, they are not as warm as some other gloves. While the cuff can be slipped into a jacket sleeve you do need to be careful to prevent air gaps around the wrist, which a longer cuff would more easily avert. Some gloves have an additional wrist adjustment, but these just have elastication – which is fine if this fits you well. You can potentially spend less and get all you need for hillwalking.

VERDICT A good all-round glove for winter but not the warmest option, the cuff is not the longest and the handy wrist leash has been removed in the update.

Features 4/5

Fit 5/5

Comfort 5/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 4/5

OVERALL SCORE 88%

Extremities Antora Peak GTX £70

Weight 202g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD This one features a Gore-Tex Active waterproof lining and synthetic insulation to provide a good level of warmth for mountain use, and a leather palm for durability. A close fit with good pre-curved palms makes holding trekking poles very easy. The wrist is quite close fitting, and you get an additional webbing strap and buckle to lock down this area even more. The cuff is short and easily sits inside a jacket sleeve, and you get a soft nose wipe on the thumb. The price is pretty good compared to some options.

HOWEVER The size range is smaller than others and there’s no women’s option, so some may struggle to get a good fit. Dexterity is better in higher-priced gloves, in part as the finger fit is not as neat and the lining is a little loose. The cuff is quite short, which is fine if you can be bothered mucking about getting it tucked inside your jacket sleeve – but a bigger cuff is quicker and easier to use, and more convenient in conditions (such as cold, dry and windy weather) when speed is of the essence. There is no wrist leash, either.

VERDICT Good for winter hillwalking in rain, but fit and dexterity is not quite so precise as others. The shorter cuff makes it trickier to fit them over jacket sleeves for speed.

Features 4/5

Fit 4/5

Comfort 4/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 4/5

OVERALL SCORE 80%

Montane Tornado £70

Weight 115g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (men’s); XS-L (women’s)

IT'S GOOD This is a lightweight and more minimalist design than others on test, with the benefit of extra durability in the palm thanks to an extensive layer of leather. The nylon soft shell outer has Primaloft insulation inside as well as a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. I found the fit to be closer and more precise than many others; the wrist and cuff is close-fitting too, and you get a Velcro tab adjuster, resulting in cuffs that fit easily inside a jacket sleeve. You also get a nose wipe on the thumb. Great if dexterity and durability are your priorities.

HOWEVER These are not as warm as others, so are for chilly days rather than really cold weather. The short cuff means your wrist area is less well protected than with other options, so again they are best for milder winter days. You don’t get a wrist leash, so you have to keep a grip on them in the wind if you take them off. In comparison with higher-priced gloves of this type the Tornados offer a little less durability, warmth or protection, but are still good at the price.

VERDICT Ideal for technical mountaineering and scrambling, as well as walking in milder conditions, but these gloves offer less hand insulation and protection than others tested here.

Features 3/5

Fit 5/5

Comfort 3/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 3/5

OVERALL SCORE 72%

BEST FOR BUDGET £71 AND OVER

Jack Wolfskin Texapore Whiteline 3in1 £80

Weight 188g (size L)

Sizes XS-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD A 3-in-1 glove has a liner glove, an outer glove and the two can be worn together to provide a third option. Here you get a liner glove with a sticky palm for better grip of ice axes or trekking poles and the E-Touch material works on touchscreen devices. The shell itself is insulated with synthetic fibre and is waterproof thanks to a Texapore lining. You also get suede PU palm reinforcement. The cuff is quite short and easily fits inside a jacket sleeve; you also get a nose wipe. A clip on each glove secures them into a pair and you get a wrist leash, too. So there’s lots of good features here.

HOWEVER You can wear the outer glove on its own, but the fit is slightly loose so dexterity is reduced. The wrist leash is elasticated, so the gloves tend to catapult around a little if you are not careful when you take them off in the wind. While the cuff is okay, it’s quite short; a bigger cuff can be quicker and easier to adjust around the wrist without cold spots, and in bad weather when your taking gloves on and off to operate maps or GPS receivers. Like many gloves, there is no women-specific option, so it’s worth trying the unisex version on before you buy.

VERDICT This 3-in-1 design provides comfort in a wide range of conditions that would suit many hillwalkers, but it does have drawbacks.

Features 4/5

Fit 4/5

Comfort 5/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 3/5

OVERALL SCORE 80%

Montane Snowmelt Guide £80

Weight 175g (size L)

Sizes S-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD This is intended for climbing, fast-and-light ascents and mountaineering when you need warm hands with minimal fuss. Here, you get a simple design with a leather palm and fingers for maximum durability, waterproof Gore-Tex lining and Primaloft insulation. There’s a karabiner loop on one finger of each glove so you can clip them to a belt or harness, plus Velcro tab adjustment at the wrist. They do fit nice and close and have greater dexterity than other gloves, which is great for more technical ground. They are warm too. Also, as they have no cuff, you can easily stash them in a pocket when not being worn.

HOWEVER Short cuffs mean that your wrist area can get cold, and there is no wrist leash so if you take them off you need to keep a grip to prevent them blowing away. They have no securing clip, either. With these drawbacks, compared to more walker-orientated designs, the price is steep so you need to decide if only the benefits of durability and dexterity are what you really need.

VERDICT An extremely durable glove that offers exceptional dexterity, but it lacks the features of other designs, making it more mountaineer-orientated than walker-orientated.

Features 3/5

Fit 4/5

Comfort 5/5

In use 4/5

Value for money 3/5

OVERALL SCORE 76%

Extremities Ice Gauntlet £100

Weight 200g (size L)

Sizes XS-XL (unisex)

IT'S GOOD Designed for ice climbing, but the extra features make it great for handling ice axes, trekking poles and scrambling over a rocky winter ridge to a summit. There is a Gore-Tex Active waterproof lining inside, with shock-absorbing gel on the bag of the hand to reduce impact from knocks, while leather reinforces the palm for durability. Kevlar throughout the palm of the hand and fingers increases durability further. You get a soft nose wipe and a cuff that can be slipped inside or outside a jacket sleeve. There is a wrist leash and cuff adjustment, and they are well insulated for winter, too. The fit was very close and, since the palm is pre-curved, felt very natural and dexterous.

HOWEVER The price tag is steep and there is no women-specific version, so you need to think if you really need the benefits, which are primarily down to durability at the palm as well as those gel inserts to take out any knocks from rocks. Some other gloves do have longer and wider cuffs, and wrist adjustment, too.

VERDICT Great for climbing or mountaineering, but the Ice Gauntlets offer more performance than hillwalkers need so you can save cash easily and still be well equipped with a less-expensive option.

The Marmot Caldera/Moraine’s nylon outer has a MemBrain waterproof and breathable liner with High Loft Fleece insulation on the inside and a PU-reinforced palm for durability on the outside. The glove gets elastication at the wrist but no webbing adjustment; however you do get a good-sized cuff with adjustment and that all-important wrist leash, plus the essential nose wipe. A good feature set. 4/5

Fit

The Caldera for men comes in sizes S to XL while the Moraine for women comes in XS to L. The cuff is long enough and wide enough to fit under or over a jacket sleeve cuff, and it is easy to adjust with the drawcord. The fit of the men’s L on me was pretty much perfect, although a wrist adjuster would have cinched in this area and made it absolutely so. 4/5

Comfort

The fleece lining instantly makes the Marmot Caldera/Moraine very comfortable, and there is no hint of bunching of the materials in the fingers or thumb. The degree of pre-curvature is good enough for them to feel natural on the hand, while the softness of the materials means you aren’t fighting to flex your fingers, which can be a problem with some gloves. 5/5

In use

For walkers the Marmot Caldera/Moraine is great as you can slip it on and off easily and not lose them thanks to that wrist leash. The warmth is just about right for most British mountain conditions, but warmer options are available if you really need extra insulation. Dexterity is good too. I would really like a close fit at the wrist, though, and mountaineers may want even more durability at the palm. 4/5

Value

These compare well with others at the same price and are slightly better than some, so they’re good value. 4/5

Verdict

The Marmot Caldera/Moraine is a great walkers’ glove that is warmer than some others; but it lacks wrist adjustment, which lets it down a little. 4.2/5

Designed for skiing, the Outdoor Research Adrenaline Glove is far more versatile than that thanks to a good range of features. It is made from nylon with a waterproof and breathable Ventia lining, Endura Loft synthetic insulation and a grippy palm. There is a wrist webbing adjustment and a cord cuff adjustment as well as wrist leashes. There isn’t a nose wipe, though, and you don’t get the most insulation or leather palms. 4/5

Fit

The men’s version comes in sizes S to XL, but there is also a women’s size range of S-L so these gloves should fit most users. On me the fit was reasonably close. The cuff is wide and long, so it fitted inside or outside a jacket sleeve. The fit was also not restrictive to movement, unlike some gloves that can be too close a fit. 5/5

Comfort

Not the most insulated gloves, with more insulation on the back of the hand than the palm. But apart from this, Outdoor Research Adrenaline Gloves are very comfortable with no bunching, and you can easily slip them on and off. The wrist and cuff adjustment are great for locking out the weather, while that long cuff protects the gap between jacket and hands admirably. 4/5

In use

Outdoor Research Adrenaline Gloves are great for walking and mountaineering in slightly milder snowy conditions. I might want something warmer for winter days in Scotland though. The cuff adjustment and wrist leash are ideal features for walkers. The dexterity is good for use with trekking poles and for general needs. But I’d like a nose wipe; and an even more durable palm is on offer with higher-priced gloves. 4/5

Value

This is a very good price for what is almost a perfect hillwalking glove, although it is not the warmest option. 4/5

Verdict

The Outdoor Research Adrenaline Glove is a good choice for many hill walkers in the UK but there are warmer options available. 4.2/5

The Regatta Transition Waterproof Glove is made from Hydrafort (Regatta’s own waterproof and breathable material) and there is Thermo Guard insulation inside for warmth. The polyester materials won’t be as durable as nylon or leather, but you do get roll tip fingers and reinforced areas. You get a drawcord cuff but only an elasticated wrist and there is no wrist leash or nose wipe. So it’s got the basics, but little else. 3/5

Fit

These gloves are available in unisex sizes S/M and L/XL (others come in a wider range of sizes). The L/XL did fit me fine, but not as closely as the higher-priced gloves. The wrist area is elasticated with no additional adjustment, although you do get adjustment at the cuff via a drawcord. The cuff fits inside a jacket but not over a sleeve. 3/5

Comfort

Regatta Transition Waterproof Gloves feel great in terms of comfort as they are quite soft with no bunching of material, which can be a problem in lower-priced gloves. They are quite warm for their price too. But I did find they soaked up water a bit more than others, and one finger leaked after some use. As you cannot easily wear them over a cuff, water can get in when scrambling too. 3/5

In use

The fit and dexterity aren’t as good as higher-priced options, and this makes the Regatta Transition Waterproof Glove a little more challenging to use for delicate things like setting a compass or operating zips. Mine did develop a leak in one finger, and as they’re generally not as durable as some higher-priced options they are probably best kept for walks rather than scrambles or tough winter use. 2/5

Value

A good price for a basic pair of waterproof and insulated gloves. 5/5

Verdict

If you are on a tight budget and need a good, basic glove for walking, Regatta Transition Waterproof Gloves are fine; but they have their limitations. 3.2/5

A nylon shell protects the Texapore waterproof lining and Microguard Thinsulate synthetic insulation. The palm has a Kevlar-reinforced area; but there are lots of seams, and the seams on the fingers aren’t roll top, which affects dexterity and durability. There’s no nose wipe or wrist leash, but you do you get wrist adjustment and cuff adjustment plus more insulation than some others. 4/5

Fit

Jack Wolfskin Texapore Winter Gloves are available in sizes XS to XL, and the fit on me was very good with no bunching of material. The wrist adjustment allowed me to cinch down this area to really lock them in place, while the cuff is long and wide enough to fit inside or over jacket sleeves and be cinched into place with the drawcord. There’s no women’s version nor the widest size range, though. 5/5

Comfort

They’re very comfortable on as you can cinch them in at the wrist and cuff to hold them in place and avoid the potential for chills at the wrist. You then get a higher level of insulation than other gloves in this price range, and that lining sits very comfortably against the hand. All told, they’re very good in terms of comfort. 4/5

In use

I’d like a wrist leash, but you could add one easily enough with some handy needlework and some cord. Roll top fingers would make dexterity a little easier and also potentially aid durability too. But these details aside, when general hillwalking these are great and they have the best mix of features in this price band for all but mountaineers and climbers who will benefit most from extra features. 4/5

Value

This is an excellent combination of features for the walker at £50, making Jack Wolfskin Texapore Winter Gloves good value. 4/5

Verdict

Jack Wolfskin Texapore Winter Gloves just about have the edge over others at this price due to their features, but some will want a nose wipe, roll tip fingers and wrist leash. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.2/5

Primaloft synthetic insulation is provided throughout the SealSkinz Extreme Cold Weather Glove, not just on the back of the hand as on lower-priced gloves. You also get a Stretch Dry waterproof lining to allow a closer fit without movement restriction. Leather palms provide reinforcement. There is a nose wipe, a deep cuff with a drawcord and a wrist leash, but there is no wrist adjustment apart from elastication. 4/5

Fit

The sizes XS to XL provide a finger-hugging fit that also allows good movement. There is no wrist adjustment but this is quite stretchy so you may be fine without it as I was. The cuff is a good size and can be worn over or under a waterproof jacket sleeve with easy adjustment from the drawcord. There’s no specific women’s version though. 4/5

Comfort

The SealSkinz Extreme Cold Weather Glove is very comfortable, thanks to the close but not restrictive fit, the stretch fabric and the use of Primaloft insulation all around the glove to ensure it offers a good level of warmth. That long cuff provides the all-important protection for the wrist to ensure this is very comfortable in a howling gale and driving rain. Love it. 5/5

In use

This is very good for most hillwalkers as it is a little warmer than lower-priced gloves but it has the closeness of fit and protection needed on the hill. I’d like a wrist adjuster, though, while a roll top finger design may allow a notch more dexterity and durability. But these gloves work great and I’d generally be very happy to wear them for most UK hillwalking in winter. 4/5

Value

SealSkinz Extreme Cold Weather Gloves fill a very useful price niche and it’s hard to justify paying more, which makes them very good value. 4/5

Verdict

Not absolutely perfect for everyone perhaps, but the SealSkinz Extreme Cold Weather Glove is pretty close to the ideal option for hillwalkers. 4.2/5

Made with a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable lining with a nylon outer and a rubberised palm, the Trekmates Chamonix Glove offers slightly better materials than many gloves in the lower price ranges. There is synthetic insulation inside for a little more warmth. The wrist is elasticated without additional adjustment, but the cuff is a good length and has a drawcord adjustment. There is no wrist leash or nose wipe though. 4/5

Fit

Available for men in sizes S, M, L and XL and for women in sizes XS, S, M and L, the Chamonix has a wider range of sizes than many gloves. The fit of the men’s L on me was nice and close, with good dexterity. The cuff is sized to fit either inside or outside a jacket sleeve cuff. This generally fits very well and would only improve with a wrist adjuster. 4/5

Comfort

The Trekmates Chamonix Glove feels comfortable with no bunching or snagging of the lining on the fingers. The seams aren’t overly intrusive either. The level of insulation is average, making this a good all-round option, while the length and fit of the cuff provide decent protection for the wrist in many situations, unlike those gloves that are more liable to expose skin at the wrist. 5/5

In use

They’re great to use for general walking and also more challenging conditions, due to the cuff and the rubberised palm. But you don’t get a nose wipe and you don’t get a wrist leash; and such factors mean while they’re good, others are nicer to use in some situations. A leather palm would make them even more durable for hard users too. But still a good option for most walkers. 4/5

Value

For the price these are excellent gloves, and only those in need of more impressive features need spend more. 5/

Verdict

The Trekmates Chamonix Glove is a great choice for most walkers who don’t want to spend more than £30 to get good general performance. 4.4/5

There’s an eVent waterproof lining inside the Rab Icefall Gauntlet’s nylon outer, with leather reinforcement at the palm plus additional grip enhancement. Primaloft Gold insulation ensures this has good warmth on both the front and the back of the hand. Roll tip finger construction, a nose wipe, a wrist leash and cuff adjustment are provided. The cuff is also longer than some. But there is no wrist adjustment except elastication. 4/5

Fit

The men’s comes in sizes S-XL and the women’s in sizes S-L. The fit is very close, although it was not quite the absolute best for my hands (but this may just be my hands!). The cuff is longer than some other gloves so it protects the gap between glove and jacket sleeve more easily while being able to fit under or over the sleeve. 5/5

Comfort

Rab Icefall Gauntlets do feel very good on in terms of comfort, in part as they are packed with Primaloft Gold insulation throughout, which makes them toasty-warm. There is no snagging of lining materials and no seams getting in the way at the fingers. The long cuff protects the wrist for more comfort in this area. 5/5

In use

Every glove has a compromise, but for me Rab Icefall Gauntlets have less important compromises so for me they were the best in the over £60 price band. They have durability and dexterity in the hands and fingers, and plenty of warmth for winter days. I like that long cuff and the wrist leash and nose wipe. Yes, I would prefer wrist adjustment; but this is a tiny detail that I can live without as on me the fit in this area is close enough. 5/5

Value

The higher price tag here does bring better performance, so while not the bargain that some others are, Rab Icefall Gauntlets are acceptable. 3/5

Verdict

Some offer even better performance in some areas, but Rab Icefall Gauntlets are very close to the perfect glove for many hill goers. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.4/5

The Simond 2 in1 Mountaineering Glove is designed for mountaineering and it has all the features you normally see on products double its price. So you get a liner glove that has synthetic insulation, and you could wear this on its own. But you also get an outer glove with a waterproof Novadry membrane, which you could also wear on its own. Leather palms, a nose wipe, a wrist leash and more make these gloves fully featured. 5/5

Fit

It’s available in seven unisex sizes from XS to XXL. The inner glove and outer glove when worn together provide a close, neat fit – although there is a small gap between the outer of the inner glove and the inside of the outer glove, so the fit isn’t as close as gloves without removable liners. Wrist adjustment helps the fit in terms of staying in place on the hand. 4/5

Comfort

Simond 2 in1 Mountaineering Gloves are very warm, thanks to the extra synthetic insulation the liner gloves provide, combined with the small air gap between liner and main glove. Also you can remove the liner glove to dry it more efficiently. The outer glove has stretch material on the back of the hand to allow more freedom of movement, which helps comfort further. 5/5

In use

You sometimes only remove the outer glove when you want the inner off too, which can be a hassle. Dexterity isn’t quite as good as with a single glove. The wrist leash is only on the liner glove, so you need to be more careful with the outer glove when taking it off, but you could add a wrist leash easily with some cord. The cuff has a drawcord and can fit on the inside or outside of a jacket sleeve, which is great. 4/5

Value

The Simond 2 in1 Mountaineering Glove would be a great purchase at twice the price, so it’s impossible not to be satisfied in terms of value. 5/5

Verdict

An ideal mountaineering glove at a great price; but walkers may find it a bit more technical than they need, and cumbersome. It wins Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.6/5

The Gore-Tex waterproof lining is protected by a nylon outer with leather on the palm and back of the fingers with barely a stitch on the palm, which makes Mountain Equipment Couloir Gloves extremely durable. The cuff gets a cord adjustment and leash, but it isn’t the longest design so you don’t quite get the protection others can offer. There is no wrist adjustment but you get stretch material on the back of the hand. 4/5

Fit

Available in size S-XL, but with no specific women’s option. The glove has a fit that is superior to other gloves we looked at and yet it doesn’t restrict movement, which is down to some pre-curvature and the stretch material on the back of the hand. The cuff isn’t very long so it doesn’t extend far over the wrist, unlike some other gloves. 4/5

Comfort

Mountain Equipment Couloir Gloves do feel very good on, as the pile lining doesn’t snag and there are no seams that dig in. The fingers are very comfortable, thanks to the roll tip design that keeps seams away from the finger tip and again that nice close fit. The pile is warm enough for most conditions, but these aren’t the warmest option around. 5/5

In use

From the wrist down Mountain Equipment Couloir Gloves are superb on the hill as you get that leather palm and back of hand that makes them incredibly durable but also allows them to be dexterous, which is an impressive achievement. I like the nose wipe too. But I would like a deeper cuff to really protect that area at the bottom of the jacket sleeve. Some may feel an external wrist adjuster is needed too. 4/5

Value

The price tag is high, due (I suspect) to the large piece of leather that is required to construct these with barely any seams. 3/5

Verdict

The Mountain Equipment Couloir Glove is superb in terms of durability and general performance, but not the best in terms of price; and you may want extra features. 4.0/5

For maximum dexterity a separate liner glove that’s designed to be worn inside a more waterproof and durable shell is a useful option, and that’s how the Outdoor Research Arete is designed. The liner glove has silicone patches on the palm for a better grip, while the shell has a nylon palm, with cuff drawcord and wrist loop. There is a nose wipe too. 5/5

Fit

The Outdoor Research Arete is available in sizes S-XL. The liner is quite thin and fits well as a standalone glove. The shell could also be worn on its own, although its fit is slightly loose if worn in this way so it’s better with a liner glove. The thumb of the shell is a real annoyance as it’s very wide, and the finger fit could be a little better too. 3/5

Comfort

The liner glove is very comfortable on its own or worn inside the shell, and actually the shell is comfortable on its own too. No seams rub and no material gathers into uncomfortable folds in the fingers, which is great. The Outdoor Research Arete isn’t quite as warm as pile- or Primaloft-insulated gloves, but it’s still great for general winter use. 5/5

In use

I really like the ‘removable liner glove’ system because so often a full glove doesn’t allow sufficient dexterity to operate GPS receivers, compasses or cameras. In this instance there is added silicone grip on the liner glove, making it better for holding things like ice axes. The shell on its own is also great, but that wide thumb is irritating and limits use. 4/5

Value

The price is high because you have a liner and a shell – so it’s acceptable, but only if

you need that extra performance feature. 3/5

Verdict

The Outdoor Research Arete is a good option if you want a two-glove system, but the thumb/finger fit is a drawback. 4.2/5